New York officials donate 5000 helmets

NEW YORK Presbyterian Hospital officials are donating 5,000 motorcycle helmets to the Domincan Republic to help cut injuries caused by motorcycle accidents.

Health advocates and local lawmakers say the gift is sending a clear message that wearing a helmet saves lives. Spokesman Adriano Espaillat said:

"Those who have travelled to the Dominican Republic have seen how thousands of people drive around on their motorcycles with their children and their spouses, sometimes without any helmet. Millions of people die every year from motor vehicle accidents and disproportionate numbers die in the Dominican Republic.”

Dr. Robert Bristow of New York Presbyterian Hospital added: "The data that we have coming out of the Dominican Republic puts the Dominican Republic second only to India in terms of the deaths and disabilities from motor vehicle accidents."

The helmets will be handed out next month to baseball fans during a winter tournament in the DR affiliated with Major League Baseball.